KALPANA CHAWLA: A TRAILBLAZER IN SPACE EXPLORATION

Abstract

Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, remains an inspiration in aeronautics and space exploration. Born in Karnal, India, in 1962, she pursued her passion for aerospace by earning a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College. She later moved to the United States, obtaining a Master’s and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Colorado at Boulder, respectively.   Her career at NASA began in 1988 as a researcher in computational fluid dynamics. She was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1994, leading to her first spaceflight on STS-87 (1997) aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. During this mission, she conducted microgravity experiments and satellite deployment.  Chawla’s second mission, STS-107 (2003), focused on scientific research in microgravity and Earth sciences. Unfortunately, on February 1, 2003, while re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster occurred due to a thermal protection system failure, claiming the lives of all seven crew members.  Her legacy continues through various scholarships, educational institutions, and NASA’s tribute, including the naming of asteroid 51826 Kalpana Chawla. She remains a role model for women in STEM, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in space science and engineering. Her story is a testament to perseverance, scientific curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence.